For me I don’t live near any weapon restricted areas. Also it’s rifle season so i’m not going to handicap myself with the ol smokepole. Now there is a few folks out there who still pursue game in Montana with one and I applaud you. Similar to people hunting traditional archery. I think foremost, it’s an overall fairness across the board for ML guys. I loved it for the challenge,( one shot, limited range) but also just how quiet the woods are. Not like the pumpkin patch it was this past weekend.
One could easily make the same argument for archery. I love bow hunting myself and it’s my absolute favorite time to be out hunting. But I’ve came across plenty of rotting elk with arrows in them. I even quartered a bull last year that had an arrow broke off in him from the year prior. Truly amazing how tough these animals are. (I’ll see if i can’t find the picture) I’ve also seen plenty of elk crippled from rifle hunters also.
What I am saying is by opening a specific season for muzzleloader only opens the door to more “specific” seasons. Not trying to refer to other states. I’d the OP is so gung ho about muzzleloader season go somewhere with one. Like the post above says it was like this where I came from now I moved here. Well if ya liked the seasons they had there go hunt there or don’t move to where season structures don’t cater to your wants.
